F1 Drivers Rally for Re-Scheduling of 2024 Las Vegas GP Amidst Concerns Over Exhausting Triple-Header
In a significant development, several Formula 1 drivers have voiced their concerns over the proposed 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix schedule, fearing the impact of a grueling triple-header. Their advocacy for rescheduling aims to alleviate the intense demands placed on teams and drivers.
Key Takeaways:
- Urgent Calls for Change: F1 drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, are pressing the FIA and Formula One Management to reconsider the 2024 Las Vegas GP’s placement, to avoid a taxing triple-header with Middle East races.
- Las Vegas GP’s Unique Challenges: The inaugural Las Vegas GP highlighted unprecedented aspects like its dazzling setup and technical circuit. However, the unusual race timings led to significant fatigue and jetlag for the teams, with the upcoming triple-header expected to exacerbate these issues.
- Suggested Alternatives: Suggestions range from shifting the Las Vegas GP to an earlier date to making it the season finale, as proposed by Sergio Perez, in order to manage the physical strain and logistical challenges of the end-of-season schedule.
The 2024 Formula 1 season is facing potential changes as drivers unite in their call for a rescheduling of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The issue at hand is the demanding nature of a triple-header, which would see teams and drivers competing in three consecutive weekend races. This intense schedule raises concerns about the well-being and performance capabilities of those involved in the sport.
AlphaTauri driver Daniel Ricciardo was vocal about his disapproval of the current schedule, emphasizing the physical toll it takes. Ricciardo’s reaction to the news of a triple-header was one of disbelief: “What!? No way!” He further expressed his concern, stating, “Yeah, that does not have my vote. And now, knowing that, they need to bring it forward, because we will be wrecked, especially end of the season.”
World Champion Max Verstappen also supported the idea of rescheduling the Las Vegas GP. He suggested that aligning it with another U.S. race could mitigate the travel strain and time zone shifts. Verstappen elaborated on the challenges, saying, “At the moment it’s such a big time shift that, especially at the end of the season when everyone is already a bit tired, I think it’s a little bit much.”
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez proposed a different solution: making the Las Vegas GP the final race of the season. He acknowledged the inaugural event’s success but echoed the concerns over the travel distance to Abu Dhabi, which is currently slated to follow the Las Vegas race.
The 2024 F1 calendar is thus under scrutiny, with drivers and team bosses alike seeking a more manageable schedule. The FIA and Formula One Management are yet to respond to these concerns, but the collective voice of the drivers is a powerful factor in any forthcoming decisions. The outcome of this advocacy could set a precedent for how the sport addresses the physical and mental well-being of its participants in future seasons.
